Spring Breeze Twenty Years

Chapter 702 Following the Trend and Innovation

Han San thought for a moment and nodded, saying, "Now that you mention it, it really is true. Southerners are cunning; they're much better at doing business than us. They're quick-witted and full of ideas, no wonder they're so wealthy."

Xiao Wei said, "We've been locked down here for too long, which has limited people's vision and thinking. Everyone here works in factories, and most of them get paid. Being confined to a fixed space all day makes people's thinking stagnate. There aren't as many factories and businesses in the South, so people have to work hard to survive. Naturally, their minds become more active; they're all forced to do this by life."

Han San said, "What you said makes sense, but in the end, they are really better at doing business than us. What can people here do? They open small shops, and there are small shops all over the streets, one after another. They open small restaurants, and there are restaurants everywhere. Anyway, whatever you do makes money, it will be everywhere in a few days. In the end, no one can make money and everyone will starve."

"Look at the South. If you make clothes, I'll make buttons and zippers; if you make bread, I'll make packaging. We always manage to find ways to make money, and as a result, everyone gets rich. We here only know how to follow trends, while they're innovating. We're not even in the same league."

Xiao Wei said, "Following trends is the same everywhere. The South is indeed more dynamic and has more ideas than us, but it's not as magical as you say. Don't we have dynamic people here? It's just that the overall environment is too different. In comparison, we are indeed lagging behind in this area."

Han San said, "That's true. The South is not all the same. Businesses in eastern Guangdong and Jiangsu and Zhejiang are doing well now, and they have money. In eastern Guangdong, they learn from foreign countries and develop their own things. Like Lao Li, who quietly created a new industry."

The situation is different in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. People from Jiangsu and Zhejiang just look at what others are making money on, and they immediately produce the exact same thing, competing with you at a lower price, ignoring quality and craftsmanship, focusing solely on cheapness.

Xiao Wei said, "So now there are counterfeit goods everywhere and the quality is getting worse and worse? You're generalizing and condemning everyone. This phenomenon certainly exists, but it can't be the case for everyone."

Han San shook his head and said, "You didn't see it. I went to see other places and saw villages and towns getting rich. Everyone cooperated with each other, and they grew their businesses without competing or fighting. Everyone made money. I really envy them."

Xiao Wei stood up and said, "Keep envious, I'm going back."

Han San also stood up and asked, "Where is your factory? You left without even telling me the location. Where am I supposed to go tomorrow?"

Xiao Wei said, "Wanliu is right next to the park. You can see it when you get there. It's still a construction site now."

After getting into the car, Han San asked, "How much is this car?"

Xiao Wei said, "Counterfeit goods, twenty-two dollars."

Han San subconsciously turned his head to look at his newly replaced Honda and gave Xiao Wei a thumbs up.

Back at the guesthouse, most of the departments have now been set up, using six rooms. Although the staff is not yet fully recruited, each department is already in charge of its own area and has officially started operating. It's starting to feel like a branch office, no longer the makeshift operation it once was.

The printer, fax machine, and copier have all been purchased, and the whirring sound of the dot matrix printer can be heard from time to time in the corridor.

Inside Geng Hui and Aunt Wang's house, several tax officials were talking. The company had just received its general taxpayer qualification, and they were there to explain the tax law and handle the signing procedures. In reality, they were just there to get acquainted with the company and make themselves known. These days, there aren't many places that are worth their door-to-door service.

"Brother." Xiao Wu from Longcheng poked his head out of the real estate company office and called out to Xiao Wei.

"When did you get here?" Xiao Wei asked as he walked over.

There were only three people in the room: Engineer Wang, Hao Dawei, and Xiao Wu. This was all the staff from Brothers Real Estate so far.

"Engineer Wang," Xiao Wei greeted Engineer Wang.

Engineer Wang smiled and said, "The workers at San Di are getting paid soon, so I came to get Xiao Hui to sign something. I also want to chat with Dawei for a bit. You didn't come to work today?"

Xiao Wei came in and sat down. He offered cigarettes to Wang Gong and Hao Dawei, then tossed the pack to Xiao Wu and said, "I had a meeting this afternoon, and I'll be back soon. I talked to Zhang Wei today, and he agreed to come over. From now on, he'll be in charge of the reinforcement, renovation, and decoration work. Wang Gong, you'll be in charge of the construction, and Dawei and Xiao Wu will be in charge of the office."

Engineer Wang said, "This isn't enough. We need at least five or six more people, and they have to be experts. This is a real problem; just the various drawings and reports alone require two dedicated people. Okay, I'll try to get some people here. If that doesn't work, I'll send Zhang Wei to dig it up. He's more popular than me. I'm an old man; nobody pays my attention."

Xiao Wei said, "Where do they all recruit people from Jian'an? I'm just wondering if Uncle Liu can come over and beat me up someday."

Engineer Wang laughed heartily, shook his head, and said, "How could that be? He'd probably love to see that. There are so many people that we can't even keep up with the arrangements. If a few people leave, we can fill the gaps. The government isn't short of people; the problem is that there are too many people, and it's a matter of which ones to use and which ones not to use."

Xiao Wei said, "Okay, then I'll leave this to you, Engineer Wang. Anyway, even a small temple has many benefactors. You just keep an eye on setting up the framework, and then we can discuss the next steps, okay?"

Engineer Wang said, "Sure, why not? It doesn't take much effort. People are all anxious right now, so it'll be easy to find someone."

Xiao Wei said to Hao Dawei and Xiao Wu, "You two keep your eyes wide open and learn from Engineer Wang properly, you hear me? Since we don't have much formal education, we need to use our brains more, learn more and observe more."

Xiao Hong came in from outside with a pout: "Xiao Wei." She came over, hugged Xiao Wei's neck, and rested her head on Xiao Wei's head.

Xiao Wei was taken aback: "What's wrong? What happened?"

Xiao Hong stammered, "I... I knocked down a tree at school and got fined 100 yuan. I also have to write a self-criticism and write a apology, and I have to buy a new sapling. Waaaaah!"

Xiao Wei pulled Xiao Hong away, making her stand a little distance away so he could look her up and down. Xiao Hong said, "I'm fine, I wasn't driving fast, just a scratch on the back of my car, about the size of a bowl. A tree broke off."

Xiao Wei was relieved and said, "It's good that everyone's alright. Just don't speed until you're more experienced. As for the saplings, I'll go plant them for you. Where can I get saplings?"

Xiao Hong said, "We have to go to Yu Hong to buy it; it has to be a pine tree, and it can't be too small."

Xiao Wei said, "Okay, I'll buy it tomorrow and plant it for you. You've been pretty steady these past few days, haven't you? What's wrong with you today? Why are you arguing with that tree? You don't like it?"

Xiao Hong blushed and twisted around a few times, then reached out and grabbed Xiao Wei's waist. Xiao Wei let out a howl and jumped two meters away. Her divine skill was perfected.

Everyone in the room burst into laughter. Xiao Hong became even more embarrassed. Xiao Wei waved his hand and said, "Don't be impulsive. Let's get down to business."

Xiao Hong pulled up a chair, sat down, and put the car keys on the table. She said, "It was when I was leaving today that I turned around and heard a 'whoosh' behind me. I panicked a little and then I shifted into the wrong gear. The car ended up in the woods. Besides, those trees are so flimsy."

Xiao Wei asked, "Ah? Did someone get caught?"

(End of this chapter)